Page 37 - First Steps 2023

pleasing him. And such a Spirit-powered relationship with God re-
sults in a disciple who can resist temptation because the love of God
far surpasses the attraction of sinful behavior.
It’s not all that hard to overcome temptation when you no longer

enjoy sin or the distance it creates in your friendship with God.

That your motivation for following Jesus is a love of God rather than
anything else is key to your lasting as a disciple. It’s key to your experi-
encing joy rather than viewing following Jesus as one long, hard trudge
through doing good deeds and self-denial.
Many religions emphasize good works over grace—you earn approval.

Not the case with God. It’s love—his for you and yours for him—that
fuels your transformation and growing holiness.
Talk with your discipler about this:
• When you think about why you obey God, is it more out of fear…or
love? Why do you answer as you do?

6. Let’s talk freedom—to be empowered by the Holy Spirit.
If you want to experience sanctification—to experience a growing holi-
ness and closeness with God—here’s some advice: Don’t try to do it on

your own.
If you could knit your brow, hold your breath, and will yourself to be
holy, you wouldn’t need Jesus. It’s the Holy Spirit who transforms you as
you choose to embrace your friendship with God.
Paul put it this way:

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory,

are being transformed into his image with ever increasing glory,
which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

• The Holy Spirit convicts you of sin, helping you see where you
need forgiveness and transformation. But while the Spirit convicts, the
Spirit never condemns.

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